Bullet Journal Staples – What I Use To Make Each Page My Own

My last post about starting my bullet journal got a lot of love and just overall, exceeded my expectations in its response, so thank you so much for all the love! ❤

As promised, I said that I’d write a follow-up post regarding what stationary I use to make each and every page my own. If you’re a student, just graduated or simply a stationary hoarder, then you might find that you don’t need to buy much else to start your bullet journal! Or at least, that’s what I found. Otherwise, here’s an idea of what I use and what you could add to your collection!

Notebook Choice + Paper Quality

Before I really talk about the pens and markers, I want to talk about the notebook itself. Since using the LEUCHTTURM 1917 Notebook Medium (A5), Softcover, Dotted, I cannot stress enough how important quality of paper is. Along with a good quality pen and marker, the experience feels a lot nicer than say, if you were just scribbling notes down which you end up trying to read months later. It’s just not going to happen.

As much as the bullet journal is ongoing, it becomes a keepsake too; and I think investing in a good quality notebook submits to that. The Leuchtturm 1917 notebook is one I can testify to being easy to work with – plus each page lies down flat! Of course, I realise that these notebooks are pricey but I absolutely don’t regret buying it. I believe it’s made all the difference – it really feels like my own customised book!

Am sure that there are cheaper alternatives but none that I can recommend at this moment. The reason going down to paper quality, weight and design which are likely to affect the tools used upon them. Paper will either take a product or not. If it doesn’t then you might find the product bleeds through the page (though this may be down to the tool itself too).

Remember – you don’t have to go out and get the most expensive notebook but just one that suits your needs!

Pens + Markers

I’m sure that you will already have a pen (!!) but I couldn’t tell you enough how important quality pens are. The type that’s smooth and doesn’t drag, skip or smudge on paper.

I’m conscious that I’m being rather technical here but it’s these little things that help enliven a bullet journal experience, much like an artist experience. Yes, it is about technique and a good hand, but these can only be as good as what the tool allows for you to do. (Think makeup brushes or painting brushes.)

This isn’t my most favourite pen but I do like it a lot. If the nib was just a tad bit thinner (like a 0.3) then I think it’d be perfect but that’s just me being picky! Otherwise, I really like these – plus they are relatively inexpensive.

The ink is really black, dries quick and therefore doesn’t smudge. Fineliners or gel ink pens are always a great option for bullet journaling as they glide on the paper rather than scratch it.

I have a lot of these lying around my house from years ago so I didn’t have to buy any! (That’s another thing – make sure you check what you have before attempting to buy new stationary for the journal.)

I typically like using these to enhance titles [see below], make check boxes or to simply line. The neon colours add a nice touch of colour to any page!

I got these a few years ago and so way before I started bullet journaling. They are in packs of 12 and there are 3 colour versions – all of which I own.

For what they are, I think that they’re overpriced but at the time I did get them cheaper (£9.99 a pack as opposed to £15.99). One end is more like a felt tip and the other – a fineliner which is a good option if you want to switch to a coloured pen from time to time.

One minor complaint – some colours don’t swatch how they look but the markers themselves are nice to use albeit not the best.

Right off the bat, I’m going to recommend you this option for its price point, versatility, quality and ease of use. I see these used in a lot of bullet journal flatlays on Instagram actually, and it’s easy to see why.

The tip is designed really well so that you can make broad or narrow strokes depending on how you hold the pen. These are particularly great for typography as you can get the best of both worlds, plus they dry quick. I love the colour pigmentation – they’re vibrant and fun to use.

Unless you’re into Art & Design or love stationary, then I don’t think these pens are a necessity at all. However, if you want to go the extra mile and add colour depth, then you can consider these for effect. They provide a lovely watercolour finish. You should know too that Japanese pens never disappoint and these are no exception!

Putting Into Use

I thought I’d give an example of how I put said stationary into action! Of course, I don’t try to use everything – which really is the key. Select your materials and own the page!

I hope this has been somewhat helpful. I know it looks daunting but the best advice I can truly give is to go for it, and to create a page that suits your needs! If you’re a minimalist then you might find you only need some highlighters and a pen. I, personally, have always been a colourist so hopefully my bullet journal reflects that.

Feel free to show me your bullet journals! I’d love to see. 🙂

In the next week or so, I’ll be showing the latest in my bullet journal (from July onwards) so stay tuned! What else would you like to see?

3 Comments

Okay, THIS is an absolutely fantastic post – and I loved how technical and in-detail you went! It’s very informative; little things really do mean a lot when it comes to bullet journalling. We share loads of the same essentials – although your journal is a lot more fun! I keep mine quite minimal (or I wouldn’t update it!). Strongly agree with you on paper quality, by the way! Mine is currently a Moleskine, but I’m going to upgrade when it finishes because the bleeding is annoying xx